How Heavy should my Weighted Blanket be?

by Bob DonesJuly 30, 2018

First-time buyers of weighted blankets should know that there are guidelines that help them make the right choice. They should take the time to study their options before deciding. It’s crucial because weighted blankets are not ordinary items.

Buying a weighted blanket is a form of investment. The extra weight makes it possible to experience deep pressure touch stimulation every time you use it. The gentle pressure allows you to relax or sleep faster. In effect, you’re investing for the betterment of your wellbeing.

Being healthy is something that most people aim for.

People put a premium on products that help them stay or get healthy. It is something that anyone can achieve if only they’re willing to work for it.

People acquire good and bad habits as they age.

These habits are acquired from the individuals they interact with most of the time. They may exercise regularly or become addicted to alcohol and substance abuse. It may be because they have a stressful home or work environment. Whatever the reason, it’s their way of dealing with their present issues. It’s so easy to develop the bad habits while it’s always an uphill battle to acquire the good ones.

Time will come when they’ll reach a point where they want to change for the better. They’ll eliminate the bad ones and start looking for solutions that’ll help them on their journey to better health.

The sudden rise in popularity of weighted blankets has captured mainstream attention.

It’s only natural for people to start looking for answers to their questions about weighted blankets.

How heavy should my weighted blanket be?

There is an appropriate weight for every individual. After years of using it to treat their patients, medical professionals have instituted the 10% rule. By far, they have found it to be the most effective ratio where their patients feel the utmost level of comfort.

It means that the blanket should weigh 10% of the user’s body weight.

For kids above two years, a weighted blanket that has a tolerance of one or two pounds is acceptable. If they weigh 50 pounds, anywhere from a three- to a seven-pound weighted blanket is okay. The allowance of a pound or two also considers their growing bodies. It also means that you don’t need to buy a new weighted blanket after six months or so.

Parents should always prioritize their kid’s safety. That’s why the experts strongly forbid the use of weighted blankets on infants and babies below two years old. Young children should be able to lift the sheets on their own.

For adult individuals, the 10% rule is subject to the user’s preferences. They have the complete freedom to choose the weight they’re most comfortable with.

For example, the person weighs 180 pounds. The ideal blanket then, according to the experts, should be 18 pounds. If he or she finds the 18 pounds too heavy and restricting, no one should fault them if they’ll buy a 10 or a 15-pound blanket.

On the other hand, if they need more weight to help them relax, they can go for something heavier like 20 or 25 pounds.

How much should a weighted blanket weigh?

Here’s a chart to help you picture out the ideal weighted blanket according to the person’s body weight.

User’s Body weight (pounds)

Blanket weight (pounds)

20 to 40

3 to 6

30 to 50

4 to 7

50 to 70

6 to 9

70 to 90

8 to 11

90 to 110

10 to 13

110 to 120

11 to 12

120 to 130

12 to 13

140 to 160

13 to 14

160 to 180

14 to 16

180 to 200

18 to 20

A married person who wants to share the use of a weighted blanket with their spouse should look for a size that can comfortably fit two persons. It may not be of the ideal weight, but it’s more economical than having to buy two separate weighted blankets.

For single individuals, buying a smaller-sized blanket may be the better choice. The weight is distributed throughout the blanket. With a smaller size, most of the load is directly applied to your body. The pressure from the weight is better than with a bigger sheet.

If you still have concerns about buying one for your little child, consult their pediatrician or occupational therapist.

The same thing goes if you’re buying it for someone else with known respiratory or heart problems.

When in doubt, seek clearance from a medical professional. Even if your intentions are right, it may not be the best thing to do right now. Your actions may do more harm than good.

Should I buy another one after my child has outgrown their current weighted blanket?

For example, you bought a weighted blanket for your 12-year old mildly autistic son a year ago. He’s now a teenager and has grown so fast over a one-year span. You bought the weighted blanket as a birthday present to combat his anxiety and sleep problems.

After a year of using the weighted blanket, you have apparently noticed the positive changes. You beam with pride as it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you ever made.

Your only concern is that he has outgrown his weighted blanket. You fear that it may no longer be sufficient given the 10% body weight rule. You've shared in his pain. You don’t want to see him suffer once again.

Only if money isn’t a problem, you’re willing to go to great lengths. You know it’s impossible given your current economic situation.

How to determine if it’s time to replace your child's old weighted blanket

Check the blanket’s overall condition

If it’s still in perfect condition, let your child continue using their weighted blanket. Ignore the 10% rule for they have grown accustomed or feel attached to it already. They may ignore using the new one you’ll give them. Remember that it’s always about their needs and not yours. Even if you see that their blanket needs a replacement, for them it’s not.

If it’s the other way around and poses a safety risk, buy them a new one. They may not use it immediately. Let them adjust to their new situation. Be patient and give it time. Sooner or later, you’ll find them using it.

Ask them how they feel about their weighted blankets

If your child is complaining they want a new one because of superficial reasons, maybe it’s time to buy a new one. Even if the sheets are in excellent condition, if they no longer want to use it, there’s nothing more you can do.

Instead of taking it the wrong way, look at things from another perspective. Check to see any troubling signs. Do they have sleepless nights? How are they performing in school? How are they behaving at home or in public?

If you can see a sudden change in their behavior, better listen to what they’re saying. Remember that children with autism will always have a hard time expressing their thoughts and feelings. Speak their language so you can better understand what they’re going through.

Consult your child’s doctor

When in doubt, it’s always best to seek professional advice. Consult your child’s doctor and relay everything you have noticed in your child lately.

Work together as a team. Help in the best way you can by being truthful. They can also educate and guide you on the best course of action for every situation.

As a parent, you’re the one who spends more time with your child. Your knowledge will help you do the right thing in case of any untoward incident. You would always want the best thing for your child.